New York Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon speaks during a media conference last October at Citi Field.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said emphatically Wednesday that that his family will not relinquish its controlling interest in the team, despite a lawsuit that threatens its financial future.

During a routine visit to the Mets’ spring training complex, Wilpon reiterated that only a partial stake is for sale. “We’re not giving up control,” he said. “We’re not selling a controlling interest of the team. It’s not on the table.”

Irving Picard, the trustee representing Bernie Madoff victims, is suing the Mets’ owners for up to $1 billion. The Wilpons announced on Jan. 28 that they would consider selling up to 25% of the team. Since then, Mr. Wilpon said the interest from potential investors has been strong, but he declined to go into detail.

“[There has been] good interest from real people that you haven’t read about in the papers,” he said. “Most of what you read about in the papers is not real.”